Did you know that pet’s during an emergency may need a blood donation just like in humans?
Veterinary medicine has progressed to the point that we can perform blood transfusions in pets that require more blood or blood products. There is also a national blood bank just for animals!
The Canadian Animal Blood Bank (CABB) is a non-profit organization who strives to supply high-quality blood products to Canadian veterinarians and help educate veterinary professionals on transfusion medicine. All of the blood at the blood bank comes from donations from pets, just like yours!
There are many conditions that may lead to a pet requiring a blood transfusion, such as a traumatic injury or surgery that results in significant blood loss, anemia, particular infections—like parvovirus, toxin ingestion – for example, rat poison and many others.
To be a blood donor, a dog must be at least 55lbs (25kg), between the ages of 1 and 8 years old, be up to date on vaccinations and have a calm, well-behaved temperament.
Blood donation takes about a half an hour of your time, with the blood collection taking just 5 minutes. A small region is shaved and cleaned on the patient’s neck and blood is collected from the jugular vein while the pet receives lots of petting and love.
By becoming a blood donor, your pet becomes a hero and helps save the life of other pets – something you both could be proud of! In addition, donors will receive 1 free unit of blood should they ever require it, a free microchip and wellness blood testing.
For more information, check out CABB website at www.canadiananimalbloodbank.ca or talk to the informative staff at your veterinary clinic.
Written by: Dr. Nicole Hobbs Ford, DVM
